Rhetorical Research Methods

Out of all of the different research methods, the Conversation Analysis is the most interesting to me. I like this approach because it is direct and into the actual interaction between individuals instead of focusing on the different parts that affect an encounter or interaction. Not only does this focus on the spoken parts of the interaction, but also the nonverbal communication that is used. In general, this methodology is focused intently on how persons interact.

If I wanted to do a study on an aspect of deception, I’d use this same method in combination with being unobtrusive in the interaction. With such a focus, my question would be, “What cues does someone give when they are being deceptive?” By focusing on the interaction itself, as well as nonverbal cues and even verbal interaction, I could take note of alterations in their behavior or distinctive differences between them and a similar partner. In addition to differences from their partner, by observing them in a normal interaction without deception, comparison with a deceptive encounter would illuminate behaviors and cues that they give when they are being as such.